Liverpool on alert as star summer transfer target not ready to extend contract with current club
Sep 15, 2016 at 9:52 AM
Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool put in a commanding performance against the Champions of England last weekend as they put 4 past a defense that had no answers to their slick passing.
The Reds looked a team close to the one that can challenge for a place in the Champions League next season and will only get better as the season progresses.
However, one position that might hinder the Anfield outfit’s march to a top-4 spot is the defensive midfield area.
Jurgen Klopp’s sides need a strong base in midfield that can sniff attacks out in their infancy and can set their team up for the attack.
Jordan Henderson has played that role so far for Liverpool this season but Emre Can is the first choice when he is back from injury. Lucas Leiva and Kevin Stewart are the only other option from Klopp in the squad leaving him a bit weak in that area.
This has seen the manager look for a number of top class midfielders in the recent transfer window but failed to get his hands on any of the transfer targets.
However, one player who might yet make a move to Liverpool next summer is Inter Milan midfielder Gary Medel.
The 29-year old midfielder who is also comfortable in a defender’s role is a powerhouse in the midfield who will give his everything every game for his side.
He was instrumental in Chile’s Copa America victory recently and has been an important part of the squad for the Italian outfit.
Liverpool were extensively linked with a move for the midfielder in the summer transfer window with reports also suggesting that they had a bid turned down by the Italian giants.
But it is now understood that Medel, who wanted a year under Frank de Boer at Inter, is now unsettled at the club and is looking for a way out.
In a recent interview, Medel revealed that he is no hurry to extend his contract in Italy, one that runs for only another two years. If the 29-year old decides not to renew his contract, Inter will have no choice but to sell him next summer.
Chilean outfit AS revealed that Medel said, “I’m not thinking about it (contract extension), it is not the time to discuss renewal. For that, see my agent.”
It is also understood that Spanish outfit Sevilla might be the front runners for his signature but Liverpool are also understood to be alerted of his availability.
Inter Milan are said to be happy to sell the player for €12m, the same value they demanded off Liverpool in the summer.
However, it will be interesting to see if Liverpool are ready to spend on Medel, with the likes of Mahmoud Dahoud also scouted for a move at the end of the season.
Do you think Medel will be a good fit for Liverpool?